LaPalma Park Anaheim, CA
Because of its’ graceful styling, the 1940 Ford was an instant hit with hot rodders so it is not a surprise that clubs and events devoted to this car have been around for a long time. One such Orange County car club, Forties Limited, hosted the 36th Annual Forty Ford Day at La Palma Park Sunday June 24th and about 240 hot rods added color and sparkle to the Park. The ’40 Ford was the focus of the event but close to half the cars in attendance were of other years and other makes.
A row of ’40 Fords
The show was open to all pre-1972 model cars and Forties Limited supports Children’s Hospital of Orange County. The members of Forties Limited worked hard to make this show the success that it was with numerous activities. A great barbeque lunch was available, t-shirts were for sale, a bake sale with all sorts of goodies was held, the NSRA inspectors were on hand to conduct their 23-point safety inspection, 2 sizeable 50/50 raffles were held (the first paid out $513), a general raffle was held with tons of raffle prizes, and the DJ “Thumpers” played tunes all day.
Thumper kept the tunes playing all day
This show is on the “must go to” list for many Orange County hot rodders and because it has been running for so long, it is a great place to connect with old friends. Of course, it is also a good way to meet new friends.
These guys from Surf City Garage demonstrated their new glass cleaner Beyond Glass and their Protective Detailer by cleaning our windows and fenders. Good Job!
During the morning, judges scrutinized each car trying to determine which cars would receive the 15 trophies to be given out in the afternoon. The trophy categories were: Best 1940 Coupe, Best non-1940 Coupe, Best 1940 Sedan, Best non-1940 Sedan, Best 1940 Open, Best non-1940 Open, Best Original 1940, Best 1940 Commercial, Best non-1940 Commercial, Club Participation, Best Survivor, Best of the 1950’s, Best of the 1960’s, President’s Choice, and Ladies’ Choice. With so many fine cars in the Park, the judges had a tough job. A few of the nice cars are shown below:
About 1:00 p.m. the 15 trophy winners lined up and one-by-one pulled into the lane to receive their trophy. Each trophy was unique and was made by one of the Forties Limited Club members. All of the trophies were very creative and each recipient was thrilled to be chosen. Below are the award winners.
After the award ceremony was concluded, raffle tickets were drawn and one big pile of prizes was given away. Also a second 50/50 raffle was held. Then it was over for another year.
Looks like the next generation of hot rodders is being groomed.
Forty Ford Day was a perfect way to spend a perfect day. In the words of Ira and George Gershwin “… who could ask for anything more.”
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